Introduction Math 131 is Calculus I. Our starting problem will be finding a tangent to a curve. In order to solve this problem, we will introduce limits, and then derivatives. We will study several applications of derivatives. Later, we will use limits again to understand area, which will lead us to the idea of an integral. We will start study of integrals, although we will leave many topics for Calculus II!

Prerequisites The prerequisites is high school algebra and precalculus, including trigonometry. You should be comfortable with factoring polynomials, for example; and know the main facts about sines, cosines, exponentials, and logarithms.

Instructor:

Teaching Assistant:

Russ Woodroofe

Baili Min

Cupples I 114

Lopata 323

Office hours: Tues 1:00pm - 2:00pm Thurs 1:30pm - 2:30pm + by appt

Office hours: Wed 10:00am - 11:00am Wed 1:00pm - 2:30pm

russw at math,wustl,edu

minbaili at gmail,com

Textbook Hass, Weir, and Thomas, University Calculus Elements with Early Transcendentals I will cover chapters 1-4 carefully, as shown in the schedule.

Class Format In Lectures, I will discuss new material from the textbook. The course schedule will give you an estimate of where I will be in the book on any given day, although I may run slightly ahead or behind. Please read the relevent section before coming to class.

In Discussion Section you will do and discuss problems. Bring questions you may have.

Your regular attendance is expected in both Lecture and Discussion Section.

Assignments and Exams Weekly problem sets will be graded on the WeBWorK system. In addition, problems for each section are assigned on the course schedule. I will not collect these. Working them, on your own or with your classmates, may help you greatly. There will be occasional quizzes in lectures and somewhat more frequent quizzes in discussion section. I will not give makeup quizzes, although I will drop the lowest score.

Math 131 will have 3 evening midterm exams and a final. See the course schedule.

Exam Policies You may bring a 3x5 card to all exams as a cheat sheet. Graphing and programmable calculators are not permitted on exams. You may use a simple calculator, but exam problems will not require one.

Exam Absences The exam dates were set by the University well in advance, and you are expected to attend them at their scheduled time. If you are away due to a university sporting event, then you may arrange for your coach to administer the exam. Excused absences may be granted in case of severe illness, bereavement, or other extraordinary circumstances. All excused absences must be approved by Professor Blake Thornton.

Grades Your course grade will be determined from the following components:

Midterm exams

15% each

Final exam

25%

Homework

20%

Quizzes

10%

Class attendance and participation may be used to decide border cases.

The grading scheme will not be stricter than the following:

90+

A

80-89

B

65-79

C

50-64

D

0-49

F

If you are taking the course Pass/Fail, you need to do the equivalent of C- work to pass.

Help Resources There are a number of resources you can draw upon to help you succeed in the course.

First: you should seek out myself or Baili in office hours. We are also happy to meet outside of office hours. You can stop by my office in room 114 of Cupples I; or, better, you can email myself or Baili to make an appointment.

Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL): is a voluntary study group program that is offered for Calculus 131/132/233. You can sign-up to be considered for a spot using the online application, which will close on Friday, January 16 at 5:00 pm: http://cornerstone.wustl.edu/pltl_app_sp09.html An attempt will be made to accommodate all students who apply, but there are a limited number of spots available. If necessary, students will be selected via a lottery. Placement e-mails will be sent out by January 21, and the first group meetings will be the weekend of January 24/25. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Kuehne, lisak@math.wustl.edu.